How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes
I’d bet most people are completely ignoring this very important part of their beauty routine. As a makeup artist, this is a step I take very seriously. I realize the importance of cleanliness as it applies to the brushes that I put onto peoples faces, as well as my own!
TL;DR
Today, Jennifer is talking how to properly clean your makeup brushes
She's sharing a step-by-step tutorial as well as great product recommendations
All of Jennifer's recommendations are shoppable inline
How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes
1. Why Should I Clean My Brushes?
Reasons WHY you should be making washing your brushes a priority:
- You want your makeup brushes to perform at their peak ability. If there’s a bunch of built-up gunk on them, they’re just not going to apply your eyeshadow, foundation, concealers, etc as well and your makeup could end up streaky and patchy.
- Clean Brushes = Clearer Skin. Again, all that built-up gunk on the bristles being applied again and again onto your face can definitely lead to blemishes and skin issues. It’s also detrimental for your actual makeup products like pressed powders and blushes to keep pressing dirty brushes into them. Ever notice a weird film and darkening on top of these types of products? This could be a reason they look like that!
- They’ll last for years. If you invest your money into good makeup brushes, you want them to last. Just like a nice blouse or lingerie, washing them with the appropriate cleansers will keep them around for years and looking their best.
2. How Often Should I Clean My Brushes?
The next question you might be asking is, “How often should I be deep cleaning my makeup brushes then?” The answer to this could vary depending on one factor…How much makeup do you wear daily?
Meaning, are you a heavy makeup wearer (like me) or are you more of an only on special occasions wearer? Because clearly if you wear lots daily, you’re getting more frequent build-up on the bristles than if you are a minimalist makeup wearer.
So for the maximum makeup wearer, I would say twice a month of washing would be ideal. And for the minimalist makeup wearer, once every month should do.
3. How to Wash Your Brushes
I like to wash my brushes in the evening before bed so they can naturally dry overnight on my bathroom counter. Regardless of when you do it, here's what you’ll need:
- Mrs. Myers Dish Soap
- a silicone cleaning mat
- hand towel
- bathroom faucet
- Start by gathering all of your dirty brushes and turn the water faucet to a temperature somewhere between warm and very warm.
- Rinse their bristles off with a bit of warm water, then squeeze a drop or two of Mrs. Myers into the silicone dish mat, this one on Amazon is under $7, then start rubbing the head of the brush into the liquid solution and create bubbles.
- Once you’ve rubbed it around you should start to see the makeup coming off. I find this very satisfying to see how much makeup I can see leaving the brushes! Ha ha!
- Then rinse out the dishwashing liquid under the faucet until the water runs clear and no soap is remaining on your brush.
- Now squeeze any excess water out with your hands from the head of the brush. I also like to wipe them gently off onto a towel to remove as much water as possible, then just lay the brush flat onto a clean hand towel laid out on your bathroom counter.
They’ll be dry by the morning when it’s time to do your makeup!
Things to Keep in Mind
Remember: never let the brushes dry standing straight up, as the water will leak down into the ferrule and handle of the brush, which could lead to corrosion of the glue holding the bristles in place.
Here’s why I prefer Mrs. Myers Dish Soap to pricey makeup brush cleansers. I’ve been using this method for well over 6 years and my makeup brushes are pristine and in the best shape! So it’s a proven formula for me.
First, the price point and amount of product you get definitely outweigh the gimmicky makeup brush cleansers that are costly for a mild soap. It’s only around $5 for a big bottle of solution that can literally last me months of cleaning!
Second, this specific formula can get grease off pots and pans, so of course it can remove caked makeup from your brushes.
But the big deal is that this formula is created with essential oils, which is what keeps your bristles from getting too dry and brittle with multiple washes. Mrs. Myers is also made as a biodegradable formula that also contains plant-derived degreasers and is leaping bunny approved. You can check out the rest of their specs + ingredients list here.
Finally, I love their scent options! Extremely mild, but my clients almost always comment on how pleasant my brushes smell! Lavender, honeysuckle, and lemon verbena are my personal faves.
But if you are just too pressed for time and can’t do a deep clean of your brushes very often, the next best option is for a quick dry makeup brush cleaner. I rely on the It Cosmetics Brush Bath and this Shany Detox one from Amazon. Done is better than perfect right??
If you are on the search for some brand-new MAKEUP BRUSHES now, here are my go-to brands :
Prestige
- BK Beauty makes some of the best brushes for hooded eyelids here.
- Anisa Beauty brushes make putting on makeup feel so luxurious and they last a lifetime!
Drugstore
- Morphe has every type of makeup brush you could ask for at fantastic prices.
- Real Techniques is super innovative for makeup brushes and their setting powder brush could be one of my most used makeup brushes.
Here is my handy new FOLD + GO MAKEUP BRUSH CASE that easily displays all of your brushes, but then you can unsnap it, zip it up, and go while protecting your brushes.
Now here’s your homework - do your precious brush tools a favor, and go get them squeaky clean!!
In Case You Missed It
This morning, Beth shared a look at her week-long river cruise. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Loved this post Jennifer! I do clean my brushes but it’s always helpful to know what a professional makeup artist uses to clean them. You’ve shown me some new products. Thank you!
Great Nancy! Glad these types of posts are helpful!
Thank you Jennifer, you have such useful information!
Will be incorporating these tips and buying your recommended products.
Fantastic Gigi!! Thank you for taking time to comment
Great post, Jennifer, thanks! Excellent info. Love the Mrs. Myers soaps and scents, as you mention. All wonderful. I use Johnson baby shampoo b/c I figure it’s gentle and also effective. Another cost-effective option?
Carolina Girl – yes I have heard some use the JJ shampoo! I believe that’s a really good option but it can’t seem to cut through my heavy makeup usage on my personal brushes – ha!
Jennifer,
Thanks for the helpful information. I have rosacea which is very well controlled. It was suggested to me that I wash my brushes daily with baby shampoo which I do. I’ve also heard from other makeup artists that they do the same. Do you have any thoughts on this? Would appreciate your opinion!
Thank you!
Hey Cathy! Yes I believe the JJ is a great option for gentle cleaning and sensitive skin/rosacea. I believe the act of just cleaning makeup brushes is so important and as long as you fully rinse out whatever cleanser you use from the bristles, you should be good to go!